Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Addiction Science Specialization in Psychology

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Addiction Science

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Maximum approved transfer credit

Up to 40 semester credit hours

Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer

80 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Advanced faith-based addiction science theory and specialization

30 credit hours

Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry

24 credit hours

Professional leadership and higher-education teaching

15 credit hours

Advanced electives and concentration courses

18 credit hours

Scholarly writing and publication

9 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 3 years
• Degree Level: PhD

Dissertation research and defense

• 18 credit hours
• Total
• 120 semester credit hours
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Addiction Science with a Specialization in Psychology is a comprehensive, research-intensive program designed to prepare scholars for advanced inquiry into the psychological, social, and behavioral dimensions of addiction. By integrating rigorous scientific methodology with a commitment to servant leadership and ethical stewardship, the curriculum addresses the multifaceted nature of recovery and community wellness. Candidates explore complex theoretical frameworks, sophisticated statistical analysis, and empirical research to develop evidence-informed strategies for addressing behavioral health challenges within diverse societal contexts.
• Throughout the program, students engage in deep theological reflection alongside advanced psychological study, fostering a holistic approach to human flourishing. The program emphasizes the integration of faith-informed character development, professional ethics, and community engagement. By bridging the gap between academic research and practical organizational service, graduates are equipped to act as influential scholars, consultants, and leaders who apply their expertise to improve the efficacy of faith-based and community-centered recovery efforts.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Addiction Science is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based addiction science theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based addiction science-support programs.
• Students may receive up to 40 semester credit hours of approved graduate or doctoral transfer credit. Accepted transfer credits are applied toward the 120-credit graduation requirement and may reduce the student's remaining coursework and anticipated completion time. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University.
• The Ph.D. requires successful completion of all required coursework, comprehensive examinations, admission to doctoral candidacy, approval of a dissertation proposal, original scholarly research, submission of an approved written dissertation, and a successful oral defense.
• DOCTORAL TRANSFER-CREDIT POLICY: The Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy programs each require 120 semester credit hours. Students may transfer up to 40 semester credit hours of eligible graduate or doctoral coursework toward either degree. Transfer credit is not automatically awarded. Each request is evaluated individually according to: The academic level of the previous coursework; The relevance of the coursework to the doctoral curriculum; Course content and learning outcomes; Credit-hour equivalency; Grades earned; The age of the coursework; Official institutional documentation; The University's residency and transfer-credit policies. Accepted transfer credit may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. Students awarded the maximum 40 transfer credits will have 80 semester credit hours remaining in the 120-credit doctoral program. Comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidacy, doctoral residency, the applied doctoral project, dissertation research, and the final oral defense must ordinarily be completed through the University. These requirements may not be satisfied through transfer credit unless expressly permitted under a published University policy.

Dissertation Proposal Development

• 4
• RES810
• RES810 — Advanced Statistical Modeling: Utilization of advanced software for predictive modeling in psychological datasets. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY811 — Community-Based Interventions: Evaluation of evidence-informed interventions within various social settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU812 — Pedagogy in Behavioral Science: Principles of teaching and curriculum design within academic and training contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES813 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Guidance on formulating research topics, literature reviews, and methodology for the dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 6
• RES813
• PSY901
• Advanced Seminar in Recovery Systems
• 3
• None
• MGT902
• Ethical Leadership in Crisis
• 3
• MGT712
• RES903
• Independent Research Inquiry
• 3
• None
• DIS900 — Dissertation Research I: Initial stage of original data collection and analysis under faculty supervision. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY901 — Advanced Seminar in Recovery Systems: Reviewing organizational structures that support long-term recovery and well-being. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT902 — Ethical Leadership in Crisis: Managing organizational response to community crises with integrity and wisdom. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES903 — Independent Research Inquiry: Independent focus on a selected area of addiction specialization outside the dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 6
• DIS900
• DIS911

Dissertation Defense

• 6
• DIS910
• THE912
• Character Formation and Scholarship
• 3
• None
• PSY913
• Advanced Topics in Addiction Science
• 3
• None
• DIS910 — Dissertation Research II: Final synthesis of data and preparation of the dissertation manuscript. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS911 — Dissertation Defense: Formal oral defense of the doctoral dissertation before a committee. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE912 — Character Formation and Scholarship: Reflective practice on the integration of personal faith and professional scholarly commitment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY913 — Advanced Topics in Addiction Science: Capstone synthesis of current trends and future directions in the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience of the PhD program, representing a significant original contribution to the body of knowledge in addiction science. Students are required to conduct independent, empirical research that addresses a critical gap in current understanding, demonstrating both technical expertise in research methodology and a profound ability to synthesize psychological theory with ethical, faith-informed inquiry. The dissertation process spans multiple semesters, culminating in a formal defense before a faculty committee. This project is weighted at 12 credit hours, signifying its central role in the doctoral journey.
• Beyond technical proficiency, the dissertation requires students to reflect on the implications of their research for servant leadership and biblical stewardship. Students must articulate how their work promotes the dignity of the human person and contributes to the long-term sustainability of community-based organizations. By integrating their faith-informed values with academic rigor, students demonstrate that they are prepared to serve as ethical, transformative leaders who utilize their scholarly findings to advocate for holistic recovery and social well-being. This project ensures the student achieves the highest level of academic competence while modeling the integrity required for lifelong service.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY701 | Advanced Psychological Theory | 4 | None
• RES702 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | None
• PSY703 | Professional Ethics in Psychological Practice | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY710 | Neurobiology of Addiction | 4 | PSY701
• RES711 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES702
• MGT712 | Stewardship in Nonprofit Leadership | 4 | None
• PSY713 | Social Determinants of Recovery | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY801 | Psychopathology and Resilience | 4 | PSY710
• RES802 | Mixed-Methods Research Design | 4 | RES711
• COM803 | Communication and Advocacy | 4 | None
• PSY804 | Developmental Psychology of Addiction | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Advanced Statistical Modeling | 4 | RES802
• PSY811 | Community-Based Interventions | 4 | PSY801
• EDU812 | Pedagogy in Behavioral Science | 4 | None
• RES813 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES810
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS900 | Dissertation Research I | 6 | RES813
• PSY901 | Advanced Seminar in Recovery Systems | 3 | None
• MGT902 | Ethical Leadership in Crisis | 3 | MGT712
• RES903 | Independent Research Inquiry | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS910 | Dissertation Research II | 6 | DIS900
• DIS911 | Dissertation Defense | 6 | DIS910
• THE912 | Character Formation and Scholarship | 3 | None
• PSY913 | Advanced Topics in Addiction Science | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Academic Faculty and Researcher
• Nonprofit Research Consultant
• Director of Community Wellness Programs
• Policy Analyst for Behavioral Health Organizations
• Organizational Leadership Strategist
• Faith-Based Social Service Administrator
• Program Evaluator for Addiction Recovery Initiatives

Important Notices

• The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
• HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
• HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
• Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
• The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
• Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
• Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
• This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
• Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
• Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
• Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
• Degree abbreviation | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Addiction Science
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based addiction science theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours